Hundreds of riders arriving in Tasmania on October 19 for a Rebels motorcycle gang gathering were met by a major police operation who screened them for drugs as they landed ashore by ferry. Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the founding of Tasmanian chapter for the motorcycle group, police from every state and territory in the country and the National Anti-Gang Squad prepared for what they said was the single largest gathering of bikes in the state’s history, ABC reported. On Thursday morning, about 100 bikers were screened for drugs when they rolled out from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in East Devonport, ahead of a national run to Hobart along the state’s east coast. Three of the members tested positive for drugs and a police spokesperson said there were also unlicensed drivers and unregistered motorcyclists among the group. The bikers said they will be attending a gathering at the chapter’s clubhouse in Hobart over the weekend. The Mercury reported the operation was a show of force, with Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie decrying the gang and their presence in her state. Credit: Facebook/John Clark via Storyful

October 23rd 2017

7 months ago

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TWO custom-built Spirit of Tasmania ferries will hit Bass Strait in 2021 — two years earlier than expected.

The next-generation vessels will be 30 per cent larger than the current ships and will carry 43 per cent more passengers, Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman announced today.

“This is a game changer for our state, with every single sailing of the next-generation Spirits able to bring an additional 500 visitors, 115 additional passenger vehicles and 85 additional freight trailers,” Mr Hodgman said in a statement.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin described the ferry upgrade as the greatest innovation since the opening of Mona.

“The reality is even with daytime crossings the current ships are near capacity over peak travel times,” he said in a statement.

‘The additional passenger and vehicle capacity is about setting Tasmania up for the next 15 years and beyond, and ensuring as many visitors to the state as possible are arriving by sea and spending maximum amount of time touring the state.

“In simple terms, every 10,000 additional arrivals to Tasmania by sea generate another $25 million in visitor spending across the state.”

Spirit of Tasmania damaged in strong winds0:20

The Spirit of Tasmania has been damaged after wild winds caused the vessel to smash into a gantry. Courtesy: 7 News Melbourne